November 2025 Funding Round Results
Learning and Action Project Grant News!
We're thrilled to announce the recipients of our first round of funding grants, to help support taiao projects across Tairāwhiti.
The following is a snapshot of the Grant recipients, and what they are looking to achieve, some mighty great mahi to support - that's for sure.
Our next funding round is open, you can check out the information online www.lftl.co.nz or drop us a line at support@lftl.co.nz and one of our coordinators will reach out. Round two closes January 31, with further rounds throughout the year.
Motu – Matawai Catchment Community
This Grant provides ongoing support for the operational and coordination costs of the Motu–Matawai Catchment Community, including administration, communications, accounting, and it will strengthen local capability and collaboration across Motu and Matawai communities.
This Grant will:
1.Broaden member engagement and visibility through new website and storytelling videos.
2.Promote biodiversity protection (kiwi, tuna/longfin eel) and improved catchment health.
3.Build long-term capacity for environmental and community-led projects.
Whangarā Community Catchment Group Grant 1
A grant to support the operational viability and governance of the group as an incorporated society. The funding will enable administration, accounting, insurance, and facilitator time to ensure sustainable catchment operations.
This Grant will:
1.Maintain coordination and delivery of catchment activities across 1 year.
2.Support local landowners to implement practical environmental actions and build community leadership capacity.
Whāngārā Community Catchment Group Grant 2
A Pilot programme Grant investigating solutions for the control and elimination of pest animal species including deer and goats, possums, mustelids and other pest animal species. The Aim is to develop pest control methods that can be practically implemented and that generate income where the landowner and catchment group received income from these activities. The end result will be able to be replicated across other catchments.
Weka Guardians Community Catchment Group
Support an eDNA monitoring project across 10 sites to identify native and invasive species. The initiative builds ecological literacy through student and landowner participation.
This Grant will:
1.Build local capability in environmental science and community data collection.
2.Provide schools and landowners with hands-on learning and species awareness.
Ngatapa Community Landcare Group
Native propagation, community learning, erosion control
40 participants including students & whānau
Support to establish a native plant nursery at Ngatapa School that will help provide plants for riparian restoration, erosion control, and hands-on community learning.
This Grant will:
1.Create a practical, educational hub that connects students, whānau and farmers.
2.Strengthen erosion control efforts and helps to provide long-term sustainability of the local catchment.
Eastern Whio Link Charitable Trust
Support to deliver Rural First Aid training and Tāne Wānanga workshops focusing on biodiversity, rural wellbeing, mental health, and sustainable land use.
This Grant will:
1.Build resilience in remote rural communities through First Aid and Tāne Wānanga programmes.
2.Enhance biodiversity protection and wellbeing outcomes for volunteers and landowners.
3.Foster intergenerational learning and reconnection with taiao.
Tairāwhiti Environment Centre Ltd
Support to co-host the Future Whenua Summit (March 2026), a three-day regional event on biodiversity, mosaic land use, and climate resilience featuring local and national speakers with knowledge-sharing on sustainable land use and biodiversity.
This Grant will:
1.Connect community groups, iwi, agencies and innovators.
2.Identify collaborative opportunities for scaling regional environmental impact.
